The Brundtland report defines sustainability as meeting the need for the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs [1]. Unfortunately, it is only too evident that we are not living in a sustainable fashion and thus, to protect the future, we have a moral duty as a society to concentrate on achieving sustainability, globally.
This is applicable to each and every one of us; no-one is exempt. Medical professionals must accept responsibility for addressing practices that are detrimental to achieving sustainability and nephrologists, particularly, work in a specialty where patient management may pose a significant threat to the environment.
It is, therefore, imperative that we not only acknowledge this but that we take significant steps towards redressing the balance of sustainability.